5 things that distinguish J’can teens

CERTAIN ASPECTS of our culture, including music, language and cuisine, set us apart from the rest of the world, and even the Caribbean, in some ways. While we know that the global community recognises us for our cultural icons, our track stars, and our general ‘irieness’, there are certain practices distinct to our teenagers that even some older members of our own community find unique. While some of these practices are similar to those of other countries, they remain undeniably common and trendy among our Jamaican teens.

1 Clarks

Clarks have become a consistent trend in Jamaica, especially since the 2010 release of Vybz Kartel’s Clarks. This trend remains popular among Jamaican schoolboys, even when they travel to different countries.

2 Slangs

While Jamaicans are generally known for our Creole, there are certain slang words that are distinct to our young people. Especially in high school, phrases such a ‘bil’, ‘medz’, ‘dawg’ and ‘mad ting’ are used frequently.

3 Less tension around alcohol

According to the legal drinking age for Jamaican teenagers was only recently set at 18 years old. Despite this, Jamaicans are constantly exposed to alcohol in traditions such as our Christmas rum cakes and sorrel mixes. Alcohol is available in almost all supermarkets, at corner shops, and at gas stations, with little attention paid to who makes purchases. Despite this, the culture of using a ‘fake ID’ to purchase alcohol, popular in regions of Europe and the United States, does not exist among Jamaican teenagers.

4 Strict manners

Teens with traditional Jamaican parents tend to have strict manners. Of course, Jamaican teenagers rebel just as all teenagers do. However, there are certain lines our teenagers know they cannot cross. According to jamaicans.com, popular sayings among Jamaican mothers are “But seeya, yuh is not a big man or woman in ya” or “Yuh tink seh mi an yuh ah size?”. Such sayings imply strict boundaries to which Jamaican teens tend to conform, and lines of respect they dare not cross, especially when in public with their parents. Thus, Jamaican teenagers will practise ‘manners’ such as addressing their parents as “Mummy/Daddy” more often than not, for example, saying “Yes, Mummy” instead of just “Yes.”

5 Our hairstyles

Our teenagers are distinctly creative in their hairstyles. The website my-island-jamaica.com identifies rope twists, braids and plaits as common styles for Jamaican females. These, along with puffs and parted updos, are common among our girls who take great care in styling their hair. Jamaican teenagers tend to have more elaborate updos, while North American and European teen girls are more often seen wearing their hair down. Jamaica boys tend to wear their hair cut low, with various patterns etched into the sides. While this does not exist only in Jamaica, it is a common sight, especially among our youth.